A historic church could close within six months after funds have dried up.

The Old Independent United Reformed Church in Haverhill has been part of the community for over 350 years but despite cost-cutting the position of the church has become "financially uncertain".

Plans to sell the church hall in Hamlet Road to raise money to renovate the church have been "postponed indefinitely" and the church as a congregation is at risk of extinction as well as losing the building.

A spokesperson for the church said: "It is a possibility that the current church buildings could shut entirely. It would then be up to existing congregation to decide if they want to continue to meet somewhere else.

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"Plans to sell the church hall, renovate and reconfigure the current church building, which is Grade II listed, have been postponed indefinitely as the Church’s financial position has become serious and can no longer support the proposed project."

The plans would have seen the church hall sold and converted into flats, and the church building divided into separate community and worship areas.

The church is now pleading with members of the public for support to prevent it from shutting down.

Running costs for the church and the hall are currently £830 per week.

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The congregation is desperate to attract regular hirers for the church hall to help with the running of the two buildings.

The church said: "The current fellowship cannot sustain these costs. Without new hirers and more support locally, the congregation will have no option but to decide on their future existence at the site, within a six month timescale.

The church's spokesperson added that the church now felt compelled to highlight their critical financial position in a desperate bid to get support.

If you want to help the church you can meet congregation members at their stall at the Haverhill Summer Bash this weekend or contact them on Facebook.